It also means that existing roads are properly maintained, which will minimise needless disruption to road users and local communities. Highways England chief executive, Jim O’Sullivan, said:

“We are delivering a record £15 billion of government investment to give people safe, efficient and reliable journeys, and provide businesses with the links they need to prosper and grow.

“Because people’s journeys are important to us we are setting out our high level aspirations which will help ensure the network continues to drive economic growth, jobs and prosperity, and keeps traffic moving today, and into the future.

“We encourage people to read our report and feedback through the Department for Transport’s consultation, which is also launched today.”

The UK’s Transport secretary, Chris Grayling said:

“This government is making people’s journeys better, faster and safer to give people better access to jobs, schools and their community.

“We are planning to spend more than ever before to upgrade England’s motorways and major A roads from 2020 through to 2025.”

The Initial Report outlines eight goals for future road planning and it focuses on operations, maintenance and renewals.

The results of the new report will be used by the department to help develop the next Road Investment Strategy which the Government is expected to publish in 2019.